The Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum are set to decrease their permanent staff levels by 18% within the next three years following budget reductions outlined in the federal budget announcement. Avra Gibbs-Lamey, a representative for the history museum, disclosed that the number of permanent staff members will decrease from 371 to 304. The cuts predominantly target corporate roles that serve both institutions, with a 24% reduction in management positions.
Ruth Lau MacDonald, the regional executive vice-president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) for the National Capital Region, highlighted that the job cuts will impact various staff members, ranging from executives to security personnel and tour guides. This downsizing may lead to a shift in the visitor experience, with tours becoming more self-guided and interactions with subject matter experts becoming less frequent.
Despite initial reports, Avra Gibbs-Lamey clarified that the Canadian Museum of History has not downsized its frontline staff. She emphasized that the reductions aim to enhance the museum’s focus on its core mandate. In a statement, Gibbs-Lamey reiterated the institution’s commitment to advancing research, curating top-tier exhibitions, and offering new engaging ways for Canadians to connect with their history.
According to Ines Akué, a spokesperson for Canadian Heritage, the staff reductions align with the Canadian Museum of History’s strategic priorities to enhance efficiency and ensure long-term flexibility in fulfilling its mandate. As part of the comprehensive spending review, the museum is required to generate annual savings ranging from $2.4 million to $5.9 million.
Yves Bergeron, a museum studies professor at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), noted that funding cuts affecting museums are a global trend, leading institutions to rely more on self-generated revenue. To mitigate the impact, Bergeron suggested resource-sharing strategies, such as institutions sharing archivists, to maintain operational efficiency and visitor experiences.
Concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact of the cuts on the Canadian Museum of History’s Indigenous research and repatriation initiatives. Ruth Lau MacDonald expressed apprehension about how the reductions could impede the museum’s vital work with Indigenous communities and repatriation efforts.
Despite the budget adjustments, Avra Gibbs-Lamey emphasized that projects related to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples remain a priority for the museum. She reassured that the commitment to Indigenous initiatives will not waver, underscoring the museum’s continued dedication to preserving and sharing this fundamental aspect of Canadian history.